By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, Oct 20: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has expressed satisfaction with the progress of Phase 1 the Padawan road upgrading project, which has reached 35.89 per cent completion.
He said that the 14.9km stretch of road from Tapah to Teng Bekap has exceeded its scheduled target of 31.32 per cent, showing a positive variance of 4.57 per cent.
“At 35.89 per cent, the project’s progress is very encouraging. I hope the contractor will maintain this momentum and continue delivering the work efficiently,” said Uggah during a site visit today.
Uggah, who also serves as Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said the RM74 million project—designed according to the Public Works Department’s (JKR) R3 geometric standards—is scheduled for completion on Feb 7, 2027.
The project was undertaken by a new contractor on Feb 16, 2024, following the termination of its previous one. Once completed, the project will benefit about 6,000 residents from Kampung Mundai, Kampung Simpok, Kampung Peraya, Kampung Stabut, Kampung Krian, Kampung Sira and Teng Bekap Bazaar.
According to Uggah, about 900 electric poles placed along the stretch of road need to be shifted, and he hopes that Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation (SESCO) can complete the task by the end of next month, while also reminding the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to carry out their works carefully so as not to cause water disruption.
Meanwhile, he added that the Sarawak government is now studying projects for the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP), which starts next year until 2030, and may consider Phase 2 of the 15km Padawan road project from Teng Bekap to Kampung Anah Rais.
“For projects under the 13MP, we will form a committee comprising utility suppliers like JBALB, SESCO, the Land and Survey Department, and telecommunication providers to ensure that the projects are implemented smoothly,” Uggah said.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who was also present, said the project was initiated in 2018 but never saw the light of day, and thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for initiating it.
Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and senior JKR staff were also present. — DayakDaily
